Operational Excellence

Exelon is steadfastly committed to delivering superior operating performance and assuring safety at all times while providing service that keeps the lights on and the gas flowing for the many customers and communities we serve. Our operating advantage stems from our core values of accountability and continuous improvement, as we set stretch goals and measure results to reach performance excellence.

Safe and Reliable Operations

Generation Companies

Our nuclear fleet operates at world-class levels.

Exelon Nuclear’s 10 generating stations, located in Illinois, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey, achieved an average capacity factor of 94.1 percent in 2013 and generated 134 million net megawatt-hours of electricity, the highest annual production ever for the fleet.

The company’s 8,500 nuclear professionals continue to implement industry best practices to ensure safe, reliable operation throughout the fleet, earning numerous industry awards and recognition for their efforts.

With units in 10 states and Canada, Exelon Power's fleet is capable of generating more than 15,000 MW of safe, efficient and environmentally responsible base load, intermediate and peak power generation. Exelon Power's diverse fleet is made up units fueled from variety of sources, including units fueled by fossil fuels (natural gas, oil, coal), landfill gas, hydro,wind and solar. In 2013, Exelon Power's fleet produced more than 44 million megawatt-hours of electricty.

Delivery Companies

Our delivery companies keep the lights on and the gas flowing and strive for continuous improvement.

Since 2004, ComEd has invested approximately $9 billion to expand, upgrade, and maintain the reliability of its transmission and delivery systems.

The Energy Infrastructure Modernization Act (EIMA), enacted in 2011, is a 10-year, $2.6 billion Infrastructure Investment Plan. EIMA authorizes ComEd to invest $1.3 billion to strengthen the electric system and another $1.3 billion to add new, digital smart grid and advanced meter technology that will transform the delivery of electricity to homes and businesses throughout northern Illinois.

The beginning phase incorporates technologies that are proven to result in fewer and shorter outages, and that provide customers with real-time data to make smarter choices about electricity use. This technology includes advanced smart meters and distribution automation equipment.

BGE and PECO were two of 6 utilities to receive major stimulus funding from the U.S. Department of Energy in late 2009. PECO will invest in advanced metering infrastructure to improve customer service and increase reliability by obtaining real-time outage information and power quality data to accelerate restoration times. BGE has also invested in an advanced metering infrastructure that will provide operational benefits as well as options and programs for customers to reduce their energy use and save on their monthly bills.

ComEd has long been an industry safety leader consistently ranking in the top decile among utilities. In 2013, the company recorded an OSHA recordable rate of 0.71, which is the best performance on record.

In 2012, PECO achieved its best electric distribution system performance on record with an average of .70 outages per customer. The reduced number of sustained customer interruptions is a direct result of PECO’s ongoing investments to modernize and continuously strengthen the electric infrastructure, the company’s strong commitment to performing preventative and corrective maintenance, and working day-in and day-out to
ensure circuits are configured properly to maintain the health of our system.

At BGE, safety is a foundational value and continuous safety performance is a goal. In 2012, BGE achieved top quartile OSHA recordable performance.

Security Measures

Exelon and its family of companies have made significant investments in security enhancements.

Exelon is continuously investing in the security of its nuclear plants, and has spent more than $400 million across its 10 plants since the 9/11 attacks to further harden their defenses.

BGE, ComEd and PECO make significant capital investments annually to expand system capacity and maintain reliability. Carefully designed backup systems and duplicative transmission routes ensure reliable service in severe weather situations and other extreme events.

Exelon values the protection of its information and computer systems, paying close attention to security issues with additional levels of cyber security throughout the company, including improved firewalls and monitoring to prevent hackers or cyber terrorists from breaking into the systems. Exelon has exchanged best practices in cyber security with other large corporations, leading universities and government agencies.

Exelon Corporate Security instituted a Security Awareness Program (SAP) throughout the Corporation to increase the level of security awareness and to reduce incidents and losses to the company. The SAP includes the reinforcement of security practices and behaviors by employees and has increased the engagement of employees to Corporate Security.

Vigilance in Emergency Response Preparation

Our operating companies maintain plans and conduct drills and exercises in preparation for potential emergencies —both independently and with local, state and federal emergency response organizations.

Annually, each Exelon Nuclear plant conducts an integrated exercise with state and local emergency organizations. These integrated exercises test and demonstrate the ability of Exelon and first responders to protect the public in the unlikely event of a plant emergency, as well as to respond to a hostile action at a plant. The NRC also participates in – and grades – emergency response drills to ensure readiness.

Exelon Power conducts exercises consisting of tabletop and quarterly notification drills. The tabletop exercises focus primarily on oil spills that could affect surface and groundwater. Results of the drills demonstrate that the contingency plans and incident command systems in place at Power’s facilities are effectively implemented.

BGE, PECO and ComEd ensure the effectiveness of their emergency-response capabilities through crisis management and emergency response team training and drills conducted several times annually.

Managing Risk Prudently

Exelon has a comprehensive risk management program designed to identify, measure, prioritize, manage and communicate significant risks. A comprehensive, company-wide business continuity plan ensures that we can keep the lights on and the gas flowing in the event of a natural disaster, national emergency or pandemic outbreak. All Exelon nuclear facilities are able to safely shut down and keep used fuel cooled even without electricity from the grid, using multiple power sources and portable, high-capacity pumps.

Extending the Life of our Plants

In May 2013, we submitted a license renewal application for Braidwood and Byron Generating Stations to the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) asking for their approval to operate both stations for an additional 20 years.